Chatham

Chatham[6] is at the "elbow" of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Its beautiful beaches, harbors, coastal scenes and its interesting village shops make it a popular day-trip destination as well as a top-notch vacation area.

In 2007 Chatham was recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations[7].

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From Route 6 take Exit 11; go left off the ramp onto Route 137 South; go straight through one set of lights (by car dealership); go straight (actually a right dogleg) at the four way stop at Queen Anne Rd. ( The Corner Store on corner); continue to the Route 28 intersection (the road will end). Turning right (west) will bring you into the South Chatham neighborhood, while turning left (east) will lead you through Chatham's Main Street (the local name for Route 28). Driving straight (or more precisely, left and then an immediate right up a driveway) brings you to Chatham's Tourist Information Center, sponsored by the local chamber of commerce. This is an excellent first stop, as the Center's volunteers can provide local context and suggestions.

The Annual Hookers Ball, [15]. Saturday, August 16th, 2008. Under the Big White Tent on George Ryder Road, Chatham VFW. The Hookers Ball has grown from a small gathering at a raw bar to a 700 person bash, complete with a live and silent auction, seafood buffet and raw bar, live music, open bars, and dancing! Presented by the Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen's Association.

Main St. Chatham is host to many small and distinctive shops. The best time to visit is late May/early June or September when the crowds have left. The ladies seem to always love Yankee Ingenuity and you have to stop at The Chatham Candy Manor for some homemade fudge. There is always plenty of free parking, but make sure to park within the lines because the police are notorious for ticketing naive tourists.

From Chatham, there is a short but pleasant 7 mile bike path, the Old Colony Rail Trail, that leads through beautiful Cape Cod woodlands to Harwich Center. In Chatham itself, there is also the on-road Chatham Bike Route that brings you to views of Chatham’s famous lighthouse and Coast Guard Station, the Chatham Fish Pier, and amazing scenery overlooking the ocean along the Chatham Bars. The Route is marked with signs all the way; the Chamber of Commerce can point out where you should park, depending on the season.